Meaford Rotary celebrates 75 years

Meaford Rotary celebrates 75 years

Chris Fell Photo

The Rotary Club of Meaford celebrated its 75th anniversary at a special ceremony at Meaford Hall on Saturday, February 2. Pictured: Rotarians Rick Galbraith and Carol Norton with the special birthday cake.

The Meaford Rotary Club celebrated its 75th anniversary with a special ceremony at Meaford Hall on Saturday, February 2.
The gallery at Meaford Hall was packed with Rotarians, past Citizens of the Year, guests and local leaders. The ceremony included a special photo presentation of the history of the Rotary Club of Meaford, speeches and a beautiful birthday cake.
"This is a great day for the Meaford Rotary Club," said President Carol Norton. "Our motto is: Service Above Self and we all take this very seriously," Norton told the large crowd on hand for the special celebration.
Norton said the local Rotary Club kicked of their 75th anniversary celebration by planting three oak trees at the Godfrey Apartments. She said the club's major project over the next couple of years is a major upgrade at the Godfrey Apartments. That project will begin this year.
"This is a significant milestone for any organization. We're all very proud and thankful for the achievement," Rotarian Rick Galbraith, who MCed the event, said at the celebration.
Meaford Deputy Mayor Harley Greenfield, MP Larry Miller and MPP Bill Walker were all on hand for the special ceremony.
"This is a very special day. Anywhere you look around our town and community it's obvious the Rotary Club has been extremely active over the years," Greenfield said. "Every one of your projects has truly benefited and enhanced this community. We are truly grateful for the Rotary Club," said the Deputy Mayor.
MP Miller said organizations like the Rotary Club represent the lifeblood of small communities.
"Seventy five years is something to really be celebrated. The service, clubs like the Rotary Club, do in our communities - we don't always realize what they do for us. These are things that would otherwise come out of our taxes," said Miller.
MPP Bill Walker - was still wearing his full Wiarton Willie outfit - was also on hand for the ceremony.
"Events like this are the spirit of our small communities," said Walker. "For 75 years you have played an integral role in the community of Meaford making it the best it can be," said Walker.
At the ceremony Rotarian Phil Cant made a special presentation. Cant is the Chair of the Rotary Club's Paul Harris Committee. Cant presented a special Paul Harris Award and a cheque for $1,000 to the Meaford Hospital Auxiliary.
"We all know the work and dedication the Meaford Hospital Auxiliary does and has for quality health care in our community," said Cant.
Georgina Thompson of the Auxiliary accepted the special award.
"I wasn't prepared for this at all. It's quite a surprise. We're very honoured to accept this and we appreciate it," she said.
The Rotary Club also announced at the ceremony that it would be making a $25,000 donation to the new Meaford Medical Clinic that is going to be built in the near future.